Pensacola also attracts foodies, history buffs and art patrons

PENSACOLA, Florida – While a Pensacola vacation still appeals to families, others are catching on to the destination’s expanding offerings.

Foodies, history buffs and arts patrons are flocking downtown; baseball fans are getting hyped about the new Maritime Park and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos; the new National Flight Academy is nearing completion; and couples are booking reservations at upscale restaurants, hotels, resorts and B&Bs.

TripAdvisor has named the area a “Destination on the Rise.”

What’s new

– In April, the 30-acre, $50-million Maritime Park opens overlooking Pensacola Bay in downtown Pensacola. The park features open space along the water and a multi-use stadium that will be home to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. 449 West Main St., 850-466-2276

– The Blue Wahoos kick off their inaugural season April 5 with a three-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits in a waterfront stadium already named as “one of the most striking venues in Minor League Baseball.” The Blue Wahoos, a Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, will be managed by former Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman. Tickets range from $5 to $15. Tickets to the party deck are $25 for groups of 25 or more. 850-934-8444.

– The National Flight Academy is scheduled for a June 1 opening on land adjacent to the National Naval Aviation Museum. The academy will offer a five-day, overnight camp for students in 7th through 12th grade with an emphasis on science and math taught through hands-on missions and virtual reality simulators. The interior of the 100,000-square-foot facility is built to simulate a modern aircraft carrier named Ambition. In a high-tech adventure, students – dubbed aviators – join a squadron to plan and execute missions based on real-world events. A two-day version of the program open to adults is in the works. One Fetterman Way, 850-458-7836.

– Viva Florida will kick off the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León’s arrival in Florida in April 1513. Ponce de León’s landing was the first documented by Europeans and gives the name, La Florida, to the state. Ponce de Leon’s explorations were also the first time on record that Europeans had explored what is now the continental United States. Pensacola will be hosting special events in conjunction with the celebration.

– The Native Paths Cultural Heritage and Resource Center, which serves as the tribal headquarters for the Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians, Inc., has opened at the scenic Jones Swamp Preserve. The 1,300-acre property, complete with a library and media center, an art gallery with artifact exhibits and a nature preserve for outdoor recreational activities, teaches visitors about the cultural heritage of the tribe. 850-453-7382.

– Pensacola International Airport, renamed from Pensacola-Gulf Coast Regional Airport, has completed an $80-million renovation that includes a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, new ticketing and rental car area, expanded parking and additional stores.

– Construction of Airport & 12th, a $24-million project providing a prestigious business location adjacent to Pensacola’s air gateway, is under way. It will include a 127-room Hyatt Place hotel.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN PENSACOLA:

Third Annual Perdido Key Spring Wine & Art Festival

March 24

Sample wines from boutique, international and local vineyards as artists display their original paintings, jewelry and sculptures at the Villagio.

850-492-4660, visitperdido.com

Festival on the Green

March 30-31

University of West Florida’s annual spring event features a fine arts-and-crafts show, dog agility showcase, live music, sporting events, food and a children’s fair.

850- 474-2610, uwf.edu/festival

Reggae Festival

April 13-15

Enjoy a weekend of live reggae music at Seville Quarter.

850- 434-6211, sevillequarter.com

Pensacola JazzFest

April 14-15

Pensacola’s historic Seville Square hosts an event filled with great jazz performed by local and national talents.

850-433-8382, jazzpensacola.com

Perdido Key Dragon Boat Races

April 14

Watch dragon boats glide across the Intracoastal Waterway in this fun and competitive race.

850-492-4660, visitperdido.com

Crawfish Festival on Portofino Boardwalk

April 13-15

Spend the weekend on the boardwalk with live music and spicy crawfish.

850-932-1500, visitpensacolabeach.com

Pensacola Community Soulfest

April 16

Enjoy great soul music at this annual event in the West Pensacola Ballpark.

Perdido Key’s Flora-Bama Lounge hosts this wacky annual tournament that has participants compete in tossing an actual mullet across state lines.

850- 492-0611, florabama.com

Sixth Annual Goombay Gulf Coast

April 28-29

Feel the rhythm of some of the best regional and international reggae, calypso, steel drum bands and Caribbean music around, plus stilt-walkers, African dance and drum presentations and other activities.

850-380-6109, goombaygulfcoast.com

28th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival

May 4-6

Head downtown and treat yourself to spicy crawfish and authentic bayou country entertainment along the waterfront at one of the largest crawfish boils in Florida.

850-433-6512, fiestaoffiveflags.org

Rosamond Johnson Day Ceremony

May 5

Share in a special remembrance of Korean War Hero and Purple Heart recipient Rosamond Johnson, who was killed during war at the age of 15 while bravely attempting to save fellow soldiers.

850-492-4660, visitperdido.com

Evenings in Olde Seville Square

Every Thursday, beginning May 10

This concert series features a variety of musical styles from big band to jazz and from Broadway to modern dance.

850-438-6505, pensacolaheritage.org

Wet and Wild Festival

May 14

Celebrate nature at this four-day event in Perdido Key.

850-492-4660, perdidochamber.com

Gallery Night

May 18

Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries.

850- 434-5371, downtownpensacola.com

For more information about the Pensacola Bay area, or to request a visitor guide, contact Visit Pensacola at 800-874-1234, 850-434-1234, or on Facebook at VisitPensacola.